It really is a good question. This situation is referenced to in Romans 2.
Romans 2:12-16 ESV
[12] For all who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. [13] For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. [14] For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. [15] They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them [16] on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.
So, the answer is still “I don’t know if you are. I don’t know if you’re doing the right thing by your law or conscience.”
As for “Why tell me?” The theory is still that it is better for your life to know and that God’s law is better and more generous than man’s law.
As for “Why tell me?” The theory is still that it is better for your life to know and that God’s law is better and more generous than man’s law.
The Golden Rule has popped up independently in cultures across the globe (including the Abrahamic religions), and I’d argue it’s a much better foundation for morality than anything that assumes/requires supernatural backing.
I can’t say for sure. Nobody really can but there is a divide in some protestant faiths that someone “once saved is always saved.”. Meaning that if you ever believed then you’re good to go. I think this idea is rooted in John 10:28-29 ESV
[28] I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. [29] My Father, who has given them to me,is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.
A lot of Christian faiths don’t agree with that logic though.
I think largely though people believe Romans 2 only applies to people who have never heard.
It really is a good question. This situation is referenced to in Romans 2.
Romans 2:12-16 ESV [12] For all who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. [13] For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. [14] For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. [15] They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them [16] on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.
So, the answer is still “I don’t know if you are. I don’t know if you’re doing the right thing by your law or conscience.”
As for “Why tell me?” The theory is still that it is better for your life to know and that God’s law is better and more generous than man’s law.
The Golden Rule has popped up independently in cultures across the globe (including the Abrahamic religions), and I’d argue it’s a much better foundation for morality than anything that assumes/requires supernatural backing.
great answer, thanks for that. i wonder if apostates/non-believers are included in “Gentiles who do not have the law”
or is it only the people that never heard the gospel?
I can’t say for sure. Nobody really can but there is a divide in some protestant faiths that someone “once saved is always saved.”. Meaning that if you ever believed then you’re good to go. I think this idea is rooted in John 10:28-29 ESV [28] I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. [29] My Father, who has given them to me,is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.
A lot of Christian faiths don’t agree with that logic though.
I think largely though people believe Romans 2 only applies to people who have never heard.